Common age-related changes

 Perceptual Changes
 Gastrointestinal Changes
 Reduced Metabolism
 Less Saliva and Dentition Problems
Perceptual Changes
- Perceptual changes later in life can influence our nutrition, such as changes in
hearing, smell, and taste:
 Hearing: Diminished or loss of hearing affects our ability to maintain good
nutrition. The difficulty and frustration from the inability to hold a conversation
with our eating partner out at a restaurant or at a social function can limit
one’s food experience.
 Smell: The loss of smell can have a huge impact on the types of meals one
chooses to eat as there is less satisfaction. This can lead to poor food
choices.
 Taste: One of the most common complaints is in regards to the diminished
taste in food. As taste buds decrease, so does our taste for salty and sweet —
often times making food taste more bitter or sour. This may cause people to
eat fewer fruits and vegetables.
Gastrointestinal Changes
- What is gastrointestinal changes?
 Changes to the gastrointestinal system generally consist of a decrease or
slowing of functions and an increased risk of digestive tract disorders. The
gastrointestinal system extends from the mouth to the anus and includes
the throat, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Reduced Metabolism
- As people age, they often lose muscle mass due to reduced activity levels,
illnesses and hormonal changes.
- A significant result of reduced lean body mass is a decrease in basal energy
metabolism -- the ability to burn calories from food -- according to Colorado
State University.
- In fact, metabolic rates decline proportionately with the decline in muscle
tissue. The result of lower metabolism is weight gain in the form of fat, which
can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
- Less muscle mass also reduces the amount of water the body can hold, as
approximately 72 percent of total body water is held within muscle tissue.
Less Saliva and Dentition Problems
- According to Beth Culross, a registered nurse and gerontology specialist,
reduced saliva production -- called xerostomia -- is also common among the
elderly.
 Saliva contains a variety of enzymes that trigger the initial chemical
breakdown of nutrients such as starch and fat.
 Loss of teeth and poorly fitting dentures are common in the elderly as
well and tend to reduce the ability to chew food and mechanically break it
down.
 Teeth problems may also be a significant factor in food choice, food
preparation and eating patterns – such as eating less chewy and crunchy
foods.